In a candid conversation with The Pioneer, acclaimed filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari opens up about her journey from advertising to cinema, her passion for storytelling, and her role as a jury member at the Red Lorry Film Festival.
She further also discusses the evolving landscape of independent cinema, the growing influence of women in the industry and why she sees filmmaking as a responsibility rather than just a craft.
Tejal Sinha
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari is a storyteller at heart—whether through cinema, literature, or advertising, her work has always been about amplifying voices and celebrating narratives that matter. From her critically acclaimed directorial debut Nil Battey Sannata to the widely loved Bareilly Ki Barfi and the empowering Panga, she has carved a unique space in Indian cinema. Her storytelling is rooted in authenticity, often capturing the nuances of everyday lives with warmth and depth. Now, as a jury member at the latest Red Lorry Film Festival, the Faadu filmmaker brings her keen cinematic sensibilities to the forefront, championing new voices and reflecting on the evolving landscape of filmmaking. In this exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, she shares her thoughts on the power of independent cinema, the changing role of women in the industry and the responsibility that comes with shaping stories for the screen.
She believes that festivals like Red Lorry are crucial in shaping the future of cinema. “A major part of being a storyteller is celebrating stories and their tellers, no matter where they come from,” she says. When approached to be a jury member, she was more than happy to be part of a platform that honors fearless storytelling. “More than being a jury member, for me, it’s about celebrating these narratives. Festivals offer filmmakers and audiences a space where cinema is appreciated beyond its commercial value.”
For the Bawaal filmmaker, festivals are also a breeding ground for new talent. She emphasises how independent cinema has birthed some of the brightest filmmakers. “Festivals provide an outlet for unique voices. The idea of discovering new stories, engaging in discussions and learning nuances in cinema excites me. It’s an ecosystem that nurtures talent and allows fresh perspectives to thrive.”
As she evaluates films at the festival, she remains open to being moved by storytelling in any form. “We have a few parameters to adhere to, but great cinema always touches you in some way—whether through its story, performances, or technical brilliance.”
Before making her mark in cinema, she spent nearly 15 years in advertising, serving as Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett. Her transition to filmmaking was not a calculated decision but an organic evolution of her creative instincts. “Filmmaking wasn’t a conscious shift. I’ve always enjoyed telling stories; only the format has changed. Now, I’m a lot more conscious of the stories I choose to tell.”
Her background in advertising, however, shaped her keen eye for detail and ability to craft narratives that resonate. It also instilled in her a deep understanding of visual storytelling, which has been evident in her films.
Her films often revolve around small-town settings and powerful female characters, a choice driven by her belief in relatable storytelling. “The stories I choose to tell are influenced by the world around us. Cinema has to be representative of a larger consensus. I truly believe that filmmaking is a responsibility and as filmmakers, we need to prioritise authenticity.”
Her projects, from Bareilly Ki Barfi to Panga, have consistently challenged stereotypes, offering refreshing portrayals of everyday people with extraordinary journeys. She remains committed to telling stories that strike an emotional chord with audiences.
Every filmmaker faces hurdles and for Tiwari, one of the most valuable lessons came from understanding the nature of criticism. “Someone once told me that you will always be remembered for the one wrong you do and never the many rights. The same applies to films. The focus should always be on giving your best and not getting too attached to the outcome.”
She acknowledges that creativity is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate one’s work. “There will always be someone who doesn’t like what you create. I remind myself that entire teams rely on me, and I need to do my best for them and myself.”
A recent moment at the Oscars further solidified her purpose as a storyteller. “I saw an edit featuring the greatest filmmakers of all time, and one line stayed with me—‘Pain is temporary, films are forever.’ That made my passion for storytelling even more meaningful.”
She is optimistic about the evolving role of women in the film industry. “Change, while slow, is definitely happening. Last year was phenomenal for women storytellers. Films like All We Imagine as Light, Girls Will Be Girls and Laapataa Ladies showcased powerful narratives by women filmmakers.”
Beyond directing, women are making strides across the industry. “There are so many empowering women running major entertainment studios, platforms and leading different verticals. The landscape is shifting, and it’s inspiring to witness.”
For the Tarla filmmaker, the film industry needs to invest more time in development to ensure authentic representation. “We need to analyse the stories being told and the impact they have. India’s cultural diversity is immense and our stories need to reflect that richness.”
She firmly believes that storytelling should go beyond entertainment—it should capture the nuances of different communities and give voice to underrepresented narratives.
Her production house, Earthsky Pictures, is actively involved in content creation across multiple platforms. “We are in a phase of creating content for all mediums. I’m currently working with Tips Films to develop a slate of projects, both as a director and producer. Collaborating with exceptional writers from different parts of the country has been an enriching experience.”
She is excited about the pipeline of stories waiting to be told. “The sheer joy of storytelling and bringing new ideas to life gives me happiness. Apart from film projects, our advertising films division is also active.”
As a filmmaker, she is eager to experiment with different genres. “I don’t think there’s any genre that is a ‘no’ for me. The story needs to strike a chord with me. I enjoy surprising and challenging myself. Learning new forms of art and filmmaking techniques excites me.”
